2025 CPT code 31899

Unlisted procedure of the trachea and/or bronchi.

Adhere to all CPT coding guidelines.Always use the most specific code available. Use this code only as a last resort when no other CPT code accurately describes the procedure. Submit detailed documentation supporting medical necessity and the choice of an unlisted code.

Modifiers may apply depending on the circumstances of the service.Consult the CPT manual for guidance on appropriate modifiers.

The medical necessity of the procedure must be clearly documented, showing that the service was reasonable and necessary for the patient's diagnosis and treatment.The documentation must justify the use of an unlisted code over a more specific code if one exists.

The physician performs a complex or unusual procedure on the trachea and/or bronchi not covered by other CPT codes. This requires detailed documentation to justify medical necessity and appropriate reimbursement.

IMPORTANT Use this code only when no other existing CPT code accurately reflects the procedure.Consider providing a list of similar codes with explanations of the differences to support the claim.

In simple words: This code is used when a doctor performs a procedure on the windpipe or bronchial tubes (airways to the lungs) that doesn't have its own specific medical billing code.Extra paperwork explaining the procedure is needed to get paid.

This code reports a procedure performed on the trachea and/or bronchi that does not have a specific CPT code.It should only be used when no other CPT code accurately describes the service provided.Detailed documentation, including a comparison to similar codes and justification for the billing amount, must accompany claims using this code.

Example 1: A surgeon performs a novel technique for repairing a complex tracheal injury not previously described in the CPT manual., A pulmonologist uses a newly developed device to remove a foreign body lodged deep within the bronchi, requiring a method not captured by existing codes., An otolaryngologist performs a unique reconstructive procedure on the trachea following a traumatic injury, requiring specialized surgical techniques not found in the standard CPT codes.

* Detailed operative report with step-by-step description of the procedure.* Preoperative and postoperative diagnoses.* Justification for using unlisted code 31899.* Comparison to similar, existing CPT codes, explaining why these codes are not appropriate.* Illustrations or photographs if appropriate.* Complete anesthesia record.* Pathology report (if applicable).* Documentation supporting medical necessity.

** This code requires extensive documentation to support reimbursement.Failure to provide adequate documentation may result in claim denial. Always verify payer-specific policies and guidelines before submitting claims using this code.

** Only Enterprise users with EHR integration can access case-specific answers. Click here to request access.